Gently bite down on the gauze packs for the first hour and then gently remove. Oozing from the extraction site(s) overnight is not unusual. You may replace gauze packs and gently bite down for 30 minutes to control bleeding. A tea bag soaked in hot water, squeezed damp dry, and wrapped in moist gauze, may be substituted for gauze packing.
During the first 24 hours, apply ice packs to the skin over tender area(s), 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off,. This will help minimize swelling.
After 24 hours, you may apply ice or use warm compresses (what ever feels better) to the skin over the tender areas. You may also start to gently massage and exercise your jaw.
Diet: Start with nourishing liquids and soft foods and gradually return to your normal diet as tolerated. Avoid extremely hot foods, foods with sharp edges (chips, pretzels, etc), or foods that may lodge in the extraction site (nuts, popcorn, etc). Avoid drinking through a straw for 5 days as this may dislodge blood clots in the extraction site(s).
Good oral hygiene after surgery is essential. Make every effort to clean your teeth within your range of comfort. The day after your surgery, begin gently rinsing your mouth with salt water (1/4 teaspoon salt dissolved in 8 ounces of warm water) 2-3 times a day.
You may have been given a plastic irrigating syringe. This syringe is intended to irrigate clear any food debris that may get caught in the extractions site(s). Avoid using the syringe for the first 2-3 days. When using the syringe, fill the syringe with lukewarm tap water. Use it as needed to gently irrigate the tooth socket.
In some cases sutures are placed. They usually dissolve and start to come out in 7-10 days.
Do not smoke or use tobacco products.
Take medications as prescribed. Prescription pain medicine may cause nausea. Taking a small amount of food prior to taking your pain pill can reduce the chance of nausea. If you do not get adequate pain relief, you may supplement your pain medicine with ibuprofen (Advil¨ or Motrin¨). If you anticipate needing more prescription medication for the weekend please note: TELEPHONE CALLS FOR NARCOTIC (PAIN KILLER) PRESCRIPTION RENEWAL ARE ONLY ACCEPTED DURING OFFICE HOURS.
Often, a long acting local anesthetic is used. It is not unusual to have a numb feeling for 6-9 hours following your procedure.
Sometimes the after effects of surgery are quite minimal, so not all of the instructions may apply. Common sense will often dictate what you should do. However, when in doubt follow these guidelines or call our office for clarification.
Our 24 hr, 7 days a week contact number is 814-235-7700
Greg F. Kewitt, D.M.D., M.D., F.A.C.S. and the staff of Centre Oral & Facial Surgery specialize in
oral & maxillofacial surgery procedures including dental implants, bone grafting, wisdom tooth
removal, and cosmetic surgery. Our practice is located at 474 Windmere Drive, Ste. 202,
State College, PA 16801
